** spoiler alert ** Who wants to read about a teenager or a larger than life female attorney? Sarah is the character with the most potential for development. How can a woman who has lost a son and stands to lose a daughter endlessly tolerate the law of her husband and church, yet act independently to do a lawless deed--and never confess it? I think the author did a tremendous job of defining Sarah without having her say two words. I think the author missed a chance to explore Sarah's insecurities and misgivings as a wife/parishioner, shown through actions of deception (Katie's trips to State College), and of course, "her deed." Sarah's failure to defend a relationship with her own sister, who had openly made decisions about her life, suggests another layer of her character. Was is fear of husband/church, or was it too hurtful to see what she had missed? Ellie should have learned from Sarah--not Katie--about making up for missed/messed-up opportunities.